How does Red Rose compare to older Levinson stuff?


I don't have a way of listening to this stuff, but I have experience with Mark Levinson ML1 era stuff as well as newer Madrigal lab period stuff. How is the sound? Detail, soundstage etc? I'm looking at the integrated amps.
r32657
The new things are all China made and while most sound fairly good,they sell for far to much. I think they are out of business again.
The tubed Red Rose components were formerly built and distributed by Audio Prism. ML bought the line from them, and they supported the manufacturing and development efforts. They have now parted ways, which is why ML went with the Korsun stuff (IMO).

The Audio Prism equipment was truly excellent. Great parts quality and exceptional power supplies (that was their expertise anyway). I have an Audio Prism Mantissa preamp and it is exceptional.

Of course when ML bought their amps and preamps he doubled their retail prices. Who wouldn't - they were competing at that level anyway.

Not sure if these are the Red Rose components you are talking about, or perhaps you are looking at the Korsun stuff.

Good luck,
Bob
I was just looking for something that would be upgrades to my ML1 Levinson preamp and Audio research d100 amp. Integrated is what I'm leaning towards.
Try used Audiomat Arpege, Prelude, or Solfege; you will not be disappointed. It is a passive line stage/amplifier all tubed.
You can still buy the Korsun V8i here in Hong Kong for less than US$1000. I have had two for over a year now and they are great; fantastic build quality, plenty of power and, above all, excellent sound.

Cosmetically at least (and from the photos I have seen, both internally and externally) the Affirmation and V8i are identicle. I would seriously think twice about spending US$7000 on the RR version - for less than U$2000 you could run a pair of V8i like I do.

Yes, it means I have two (remote) volume controls to contend with - but the dials are perfectly accurate and 99% of the time they adjust in sync with each other from the remote. For my 'inconvenience' I get genuine dual-mono and bi-amping (plus massive horsepower!) with their attendant benefits, plus I kept over 5k in my wallet.

Cheers
Andy

PS. you can also buy uncannily similar RR look-alike speakers here for about US$500/pr. Superb finish, real wood veneers, great drivers, fittings and x-overs and these too sound fantastic. Does anyone smell Fish?